Man is accused of assaulting ex-partner

A man accused of assaulting his ex-partner was refused bail when he appeared before Londonderry Magistrates’ Court.

Martin McShane (39), of Dunfield Terrace, is charged with common assault and breach of a restraining order. He is further charged with the theft of a mobile phone and sim card on January 27.

As the charges were put to him McShane said: “That’s not true. I didn’t assault anyone.”

It was alleged McShane contacted the woman because he was unwell and he wanted her to run an errand.

However, the court heard McShane should not have been in contact with her because of a restraining order and existing bail conditions.

The court heard claims an argument ensued between the former couple and the alleged injured party hit McShane with a plastic bag of sweets. He then allegedly grabbed her by the face and banged her head off a window, causing her to fall to the ground.

The defendant then allegedly stood on the woman’s chest and there was a wrestling match between them. The court heard further allegations McShane took the sim card out of the woman’s phone and refused to give it back to her.

Opposing bail, an investigating officer said McShane had no regard for conditions and the court could not impose any that would ensure the safety of the injured party.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said his client denied the offences and the breaches. Bail was refused and the 39-year-old will appear in court again on February 12.